How to do Lymphatic Self-Massage on Your Face, Head and Neck

Form: D-8668

How to do Lymphatic Self-Massage on Your Face, Head and Neck

For patients of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre who were treated for head and neck cancer with:

? Surgery to remove a tumour(s) or lymph nodes ? Radiation therapy

Read this resource to learn: ? What is your lymphatic system ? What lymphatic self-massage is and why it is important ? How to do lymphatic self-massage step-by-step

What is your lymphatic system?

Your lymphatic system filters and removes extra fluid and waste from your body. It plays an important role in your immune function. Your lymphatic system is made up of many lymph nodes that are connected together by lymph vessels. Your lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs that are found all over your body. Large groups or chains of lymph nodes can be found in your neck, under your arms and in your groin (see the image below). Surgery or radiation to your lymph nodes damage your lymph nodes and vessels. This damage prevents fluid from flowing well and causes swelling. Swelling from damaged lymph nodes and vessels is called lymphedema.

The lymphatic system Lymph node clusters in the:

neck under arms

groin

The image above shows the normal flow of fluid in the face, head and neck.

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What is lymphatic self-massage and why is it important?

Lymphatic self-massage is a gentle skin massage where the skin is gently stretched and released along lymph pathways. Lymphatic self-massage helps move extra fluid from swollen areas damaged by cancer treatment. This extra fluid can be moved into an area where the lymph nodes are working well. Lymphatic self-massage can help soften and move extra fluid away from:

? areas of your face that have had treatment ? areas of your neck that have had treatment Lymphatic self-massage can help to move extra fluid to: ? lymph vessels and lymph nodes in areas of your face or neck not

affected by treatment ? lymph vessels and lymph nodes in your underarms

The image below shows the lymph nodes and lymph vessels in the face, head and neck.

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How to do lymphatic self-massage

? Keep your hands soft and relaxed. Use a light pressure on your skin. The pressure of your hands should be just enough to gently stretch the skin. Only stretch the skin as far as it can go naturally without causing pain. Release the pressure and let your skin come back as it was. If you can feel your muscles under your skin you are pressing too hard.

? Use the flat part of your hands (palms and fingers) instead of your fingertips. Your palms allow more contact with the skin to stimulate (pump) the lymph vessels.

? Massage towards areas of your body that have not been treated for cancer such as your chest and underarms.

? Make sure you are in a comfortable position with good posture. You can self-massage while sitting, standing or lying down. Choose a position that is most comfortable for you.

? Massage when you are comfortably warm or when you are in a nice, warm room. If your muscles are warm, they are more flexible.

? Do self-massage regularly. You can use self-massage as time to relax, breathe, and take care of yourself.

What to avoid Do not strain your shoulders, neck, arm or hand Do not self-massage if it causes pain Do not do self-massage if you have an infection in the area that has swelling

Important: Do not do self-massage if you think you have an infection. Infections can occur more easily in your head, neck or face where your lymph nodes have been removed or you have had radiation.

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Signs that an area may be infected are: ? Swelling in these areas and changes in the colour of the skin In darker skin tones, the skin may appear more purple, gray, or may not change colour at all. In lighter skin tones, the skin may appear red. This redness can quickly spread. ? Skin becoming raised, thick or pitted. ? Feeling of tenderness and/or warmth in the affected area. ? Having a fever or chills and feeling unwell.

If you think you have an infection, get medical attention right away. You may go to:

? Your family doctor ? Walk-in Clinic ? Urgent Care Clinic ? Emergency department

If you have had an infection, only start self-massage again when the antibiotics (medicine) are taking effects, your infection is improving, and it is comfortable for you to do so. Or if your doctor says it is okay to start again.

Try different ways to make self-massage a part of your routine. Try selfmassage while you are watching TV or having a shower so it does not take time away from your day. Try to make self-massage a time for yourself. Or make it a part of your routine for relaxing

Below are the steps for doing a lymphatic self-massage. Follow the instructions closely. Talk to your health care team if you have any questions.

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